AP source says Browns agree to acquire Pro Bowl defensive end Zedarius Smith from Vikings

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FILE – Washington Commanders offensive tackle Cornelius Lucas (78) tries to stop Minnesota Vikings linebacker Za'Darius Smith (55) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022, in Cleveland, Landover, Md. The Browns have agreed to acquire three-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Za'Darius Smith in a trade from the Minnesota Vikings, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Friday night, May 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File) (associated Press)

CLEVELAND (AP) – The Cleveland Browns have agreed to acquire three-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Za'Darius Smith from the Minnesota Vikings, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Friday night.

The Browns are sending the Vikings a fifth-round pick in 2024 and 2025 for Smith, a sixth-round pick in 2025 and a seventh-rounder in 2026, said the team, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the teams had not made an announcement. Change.

In Cleveland, Smith will be paired with one of the NFL's best edge rushers, -Pro end Myles Garrett.

Smith, 30, had 10 sacks last season and has 54 1/2 since joining in 2015.

The Browns have spent the offseason in 2022 trying to revive a dismal defense that has led the team to a 7-10 record. Cleveland's biggest upgrades were the signing of free agent tackle Dalvin Tomlinson and safety Juan Thornhill.

Smith's arrival will give the Browns two players capable of disrupting the pocket and another weapon for new coordinator Jim Schwartz.

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